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Famous director, Julian Marsh (Warner Baxter), undeterred
by sickness, takes the cast and crew from auditions to the
aftermath of opening night.
Leading lady Dorothy (Bebe Daniels) has two problems. First,
she's tired of the crass behaviour of 'sugar daddy' and banker
to the show (Guy Gibbee).
Second, her true love (George Brent) will not continue with
the 'ménage' and is planning to take a job in Philadelphia.
Dorothy's dilemma drives her to drink, a fall, and a sprained
ankle.
It's 'Showtime' and there's no star… except… innocent chorus
girl, Peggy (Ruby Keeler) who, encouraged by leading man Billy
(Dick Powell), steps up and saves the show.
The entire cast of the picture perform their roles with a
sincerity and humour that absorbs the viewer today. Look out
for wisecracking Ginger Rogers who has the delicious name,
'Anytime Annie'.
Toe tapping songs include: 'You're Getting to Be a Habit
With Me', 'Keep Young and Healthy', 'Shuffle of to Buffalo',
'42nd Street'.
The staging and choreography of the production numbers are
as brilliant as the world came to expect from the genius of
Busby Berkeley. His trademark precision movements and kaleidoscopic
effects are all there.
When I first saw this picture it was on television through
a snowstorm of noise and sound from a tinny speaker. Many
of you will have shared that experience and not been impressed.
The contrast in viewing '42nd Street' on a modern system
off a DVD is extraordinary; snow white whites, black velvet
blacks, and warm grey scale in between. The picture is clean;
no noise, rough edits or negative blemishes. The sound is
dynamic and clear.
If you like song and dance, familiar one-liners and interesting
characters (with a hint of sauciness) then this could be a
movie for you. The extras on the disc are valuable collector's
items.
Conclusion: 85% Extras: 80%.
Continued:
DVD details at a glance >
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